List of Hollyoaks characters introduced in 2024

Kitty Draper, played by Iz Hesketh, made her first appearance on 15 January 2024. Kitty is involved in a four-vehicle collision and after realising that her travelling companion has died, steals her identity. Many details of Kitty have been kept under wraps, but executive producer Hannah Cheers teased a lot of "shock and intrigue" about the character. "We realised that we had the opportunity here to show the front-end of an impostor story," she told media. "Normally in an impostor story, you learn the secret after you've met the character. But to actually see the moment where somebody makes that momentary decision to take the identity of somebody else is huge."^[1]

Speaking about her character on social media, Iz said: "Looks like the cats out of the bag… I'm so proud to announce that I'm the new girl on the block in the @hollyoaksofficial Village! My character is one that British TV has needed for a long time. She's fiery, independent and has a huge heart. I'm so excited to show that trans people are just like everyone else. We have flaws, we fall in love and sometimes we make bad decisions for good reasons… brace yourselves, a new arrival is about to come into Hollyoaks with a bang".^[1]

Kitty later develops a romance with Beau Ramsey (Jon-Paul Bell).^[2] Bell said his character enjoys being around Kitty, bringing Beau out of his "shell".^[3] He thought the pair made a good match, however, he noted that they see the world differently which could cause issues in the future.^[3] On what attracts Beau to Kitty, Jon-Paul told Inside Soap magazine: "He really enjoys her energy – Kitty's been like a firecracker coming into the village and shaking things up! He's intrigued by the way Kitty lives her life, and it's brought Beau out of his shell a bit."^[4] He also added "Kitty's past, and the reason she's landed in the village, could escalate into bigger problems down the line, Beau has strong morals, but he's also very empathetic, so this could lead to us seeing darker shades of his character. It's about how far he's willing to go".^[4] The relationship later ended after both of them couldn't make it work.^[5]

In a plot-twist aired in scenes from episode 6358, originally broadcast on 22 April 2024, it was revealed that Kitty is the daughter of conversion therapist Declan Hawthorne (Alan Turkington).^[6] In episode 6367, originally broadcast on 3 May 2024, Kitty was kidnapped by Declan as part of a cliffhanger.^[7][8]

Abe Fielding, played by Tyler Conti, made his first appearance on 18 January 2024. The character and casting was announced on 15 January 2024.^[9] Much of the character's background was kept secret, and Abe was introduced with a "massive secret" that would "send spark waves" through the village.^[9] The only implied connection from the character was that Abe was going to be "heavily involved" with the McQueen family.^[9] Abe was later revealed to be the ex-boyfriend of returning character Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), who left him due to his controlling behaviour.^[10] Abe arrives in the village looking for Cleo after she is involved in a multi-vehicle collision, unaware that she is searching for her ex-fiancé Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed). A press release for the character described Abe as: "Very loving, friendly, and approachable, but under the surface there's more than meets the eye," and teased an "unexpected" family connection.^[9] Speaking about his character, Tyler commented: "Abe is a charming working-class young lad with a manipulative streak a mile-wide. The ingredients of a deeply troubled past and a complicated family life have brewed his dangerous temper, especially when things don’t go his way. I can't wait for Abe to explode into the Hollyoaks village, you can expect danger, manipulation, and one heck of a messy family that comes with it."^[9]

Cleo is stuck between Abe and Joel as they both fight for her^[11] – Abe and Cleo later reconcile and have sex but Abe then manipulates her moments after.^[12] After hearing Abe on a phone call with a random woman discussing money conditions, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) becomes suspicious of Abe.^[13] Theresa McQueen (Jorgie Porter) tries to find Abe to ridicule him on his behaviour to Cleo. She finds him in the loft, the pair get drunk and then sleep together.^[14] Theresa later confesses to Cleo of their deceit after Kathleen-Angel McQueen (Kiara Mellor) outlandishly told the family of their one night stand, causing a strain on the pairs relationships.^[15] In March 2024, after an argument with Cleo, Abe lashes out and smashes an ornament against the wall.^[16] Speaking about Mercedes' suspicions, Conti said:

"I think Abe thinks that he has met people like Mercedes before, I think he is good with his words, and can find his way out of anything. A typical gaslighter that, if he keeps on saying no, if he just keeps on lying, no one's going to find him out. He thinks he can worm his way around Mercedes, and the McQueens. He has dealt with a lot of stuff in his life, so I think this isn't really anything too drastic for him. He's got other fish to fry at the moment."^[13]

On 15 January 2024, it was announced that Rita Simons would be taking over the role of Abe's mother Marie Fielding.^[17] Abe's connection to Marie and Joel was not announced prior to his first appearance.^[18] Marie returned in episode 6332, originally broadcast on 15 March 2024 during a physical fight between Joel and Abe.^[19] Whilst drinking in the loft with Joel, Abe, Cleo and Leela, she reveals she has a missing son, Arlo (Dan Hough).^[20] Arlo previously made a cameo appearance in episode 6334, originally broadcast on 19 March 2024 as part of a major plot-twist that his half-brother Abe is actually his kidnapper.^[21] Marie wants to obtain Arlo back after Abe secretly sent him to stay with his father and an unknown woman (presumably his stepmother), disguising it as a kidnapping.^[22] When Joel and Leela let Marie move in,^[23] Marie hires a new private investigator (as the expenses are covered by Joel). The private investigator immediately finds a lead in Ireland, though Marie is stopped on her way by the police as Abe has framed her for drugging Arlo with sedatives.^[24] Marie is then released and overhears a conversation between Abe and Cleo, confessing that he set Marie up. Cleo covers for Abe and lets Marie believe it was her. In early April 2024, Marie is told that a body has been found in Ireland that they may believe is Arlo^[25] (this is confirmed untrue as Arlo appears in the spring trailer released by Hollyoaks).^[26] Abe then rushes to Dublin in a bid to search for his brother, knowing he is alive.^[27][28]

The story reaches a climax when Chris returns to Hollyoaks village with Arlo. Clutching at straws, he eventually admits to Cleo that he is behind the kidnapping of Arlo as he believed Marie is incapable of having children.^[29] Cleo later promised to assist Abe giving Arlo back to Chris, but then helped him escape whilst Abe's back had turned. Arlo returned to Marie in episode 6353, originally broadcast on 15 April 2024.^[30] Arlo's stepmother, Demi (Ainsley Howard), returns to Hollyoaks village in a bid to return Arlo to Chris' care.^[31][32]

On 21 May 2024, it was announced that the Hollyoaks production team had joined with the Home Office to produce a coercive control storyline involving Abe and Cleo.^[33] The Home Office had previously worked with Hollyoaks to produce a plot involving Maxine Minniver (Nikki Sanderson) and an incel group led by Eric Foster (Angus Castle-Doughty). The plot was to be one of the show's central focus points in Summer 2024.^[33] It was followed up with a report that Hollyoaks would be continuing with the domestic violence plot as well as the coercive control.^[34] It was reported the soap's partnership with Home Office will "shine a light" on the harmful behaviours that can occur within controlling relationships and demonstrate the impact of violence on victims.^[33] Home Secretary James Cleverly, reacting to the upcoming plot, said: "Tackling violence against women and girls is a real priority for me. We know that controlling and coercive relationships can have a lasting and severe impact on victims. That's why we made it a specific criminal offence and are making sure those convicted are monitored by the police in the same way as physically violent offenders. By partnering with Hollyoaks, we're raising awareness of how to recognise these behaviours as well as empowering the public to call out abuse when they see it and safely intervene when appropriate."^[33] The partnership began on 20 May,^[33] with the first notable incident showing Abe becoming violent towards Cleo after Joel and Leela's wedding.^[35]

Declan Hawthorne, played by Alan Turkington, made his first appearance on 28 February 2024. The character and casting was announced on 6 February 2024. Declan is a practitioner of conversion therapy alongside Carter Shepherd (David Ames), and assists Carter in attempting to influence the sexuality of Lucas Hay (Oscar Curtis).^[36]

Speaking about joining the soap, Alan said: "I'm absolutely thrilled to be joining the Hollyoaks family, who have made me feel so welcome – even as a very unwelcome character! We've already filmed some incredibly intense scenes, including those in Declan's first episode. He's a toxically religious man who fervently believes in the therapy he is advocating. He feels that these men have lost their way, when really it's he who has 'strayed from the righteous path'. I feel very privileged as an actor to be able to highlight the evils of conversion therapy with this storyline and I can't wait to see how tensions play out with Carter, Lucas, and maybe some others in the village."^[36]

Declan was killed off in the episode airing on 20 May 2024, after sustaining a head injury during a fight with Kitty Draper (Iz Hesketh) and Beau Ramsey (Jon-Paul Bell).^[37]

Arlo Fielding, portrayed by Dan Hough, is the son of Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) and the half-brother of Joel Dexter (Rory Douglas-Speed) and Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti). He made his debut in spring 2024.^[26] He previously made a cameo appearance in episode 6334, originally broadcast on 19 March 2024 as part of a major plot-twist that his half-brother Abe is actually his kidnapper.^[39] Marie wants to obtain Arlo back after Abe secretly sent him to stay with his father and an unknown woman, disguising it as a kidnapping.^[40] When Marie hires a private investigator, she finds a lead in Ireland, though is stopped on her way by the police as Abe has framed her for drugging Arlo with sedatives.^[41] Marie is then released and overhears a conversation between Abe and his girlfriend Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), confessing that he set Marie up. Cleo covers for Abe and lets Marie believe it was her. In early April 2024, Marie is told that a body has been found in Ireland that they may believe is Arlo^[42] (this is confirmed untrue as Arlo appears in the spring trailer released by Hollyoaks).^[26] Abe then rushes to Dublin in a bid to search for his half-brother, knowing he is alive.^[43]

The story reaches a climax when Chris returns to Hollyoaks village with Arlo. Clutching at straws, he eventually admits to Cleo that he is behind the kidnapping of Arlo as he believed Marie is incapable of having children.^[44] Cleo later promised to assist Abe giving Arlo back to Chris, but then helped him escape whilst Abe's back had turned. Arlo returned to Marie in episode 6353, originally broadcast on 15 April 2024.^[45] Arlo's stepmother, Demi (Ainsley Howard), returns to Hollyoaks village in a bid to return Arlo to Chris' care on Arlo's thirteenth birthday.^[38]

Donny Clark, played by Louis Emerick, made his first appearance in episode 6348, originally broadcast on 8 April 2024. The character and casting was announced on 2 April 2024. He is the father of established characters Vicky Grant (Anya Lawrence) and Andre Clark (David Joshua-Anthony). Donny makes his first appearance when he unexpectedly arrives at Vicky's 18th birthday party.^[46]

The character has been billed as "charisma personified", who is "determined to build a relationship with Vicky upon his arrival in the village". Discussing Donny's arrival in Hollyoaks, Emerick commented: "Donny is coming back to see his son and it collides with his daughter's birthday, which is very emotional as it's the first time he has met her". On joining the soap, Emerick stated: "It has equally been moving for me personally. I was there when Hollyoaks began. We sat with the Brookside and Hollyoaks crew and watched a screening of the first ever episode in 1995. It is so exciting to be back with this vibrant cast and crew, back on the set where it all began."^[46]

Donny unexpectedly arrives at Vicky's 18th birthday party, much to the dismay of her and Scott. Vicky assumes his arrival was because he sabotaged Scott adopting her. Andre later admits it was him that invited Donny as he thought Vicky would be delighted. Vicky claims that Scott has been a better father in the past two years then Donny has eighteen. He later explains he knew nothing about the adoption and that abandoning her was not by choice, but by force.

Noah Dexter is the stillborn son of Joel (Rory Douglas-Speed) and Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), who appears in episode 6384, originally broadcast on 28 May 2024.^[47] The storyline was originally announced on 21 May 2024.^[48] The storyline was partly replicated from Porter's own baby loss experience from December 2018.^[48] Porter praised the storyline, claiming she was "not the same Kirsty" since losing her daughter Penny-Leigh.^[48] She also added she hoped it would "save a life".^[48] It was further reported that the loss would happen hours after her wedding to Joel.^[49] Porter appeared on ITV daytime talk-show Loose Women to spread awareness on the topic and spoke out on her role in the storyline.^[50] She mentioned her own experience and reaction when she found out she had lost her own child, saying she had her "breath and soul sucked out" of her. She added: "It's not something you will ever get over" and the silence when they've given you the news is deafening.^[50] The scenes aired in episode 6382, originally broadcast on 24 May 2024.^[51] The scenes were branded "devastating", displaying usual chat with nurses about parenthood – the nurse required a second opinion before admitting Leela had lost her baby. The episode then featured silent credits to signify the loss.^[51] Douglas-Speed praised the plot and Porter's portrayal.^[52]

Noah was the product of induced labour. Leela was being comforted by Marie Fielding (Rita Simons) when her contractions began. Noah was born in hospital, still un-named, which Joel and Leela decided to name him Noah. Due to the upset, Joel couldn't hold Noah – clear to Leela's annoyance until she came back into the room whilst Joel was singing and declaring his love for Leela to his stillborn son. He was wrapped up in a notable blue Fire Truck blanket that was given to the nurse by them as all of their clothes purchased for the baby had been too big.

Martha Blake, portrayed by Sherrie Hewson, is introduced as the estranged mother of deceased Patrick Blake (Jeremy Sheffield).^[53] She made her first appearance in episode 6385, originally broadcast on 29 May 2024. Martha, along with son Jeremy (also portrayed by Sheffield) are set to make their debuts in spring 2024.^[53] Their casting and characters details were announced on 3 May 2024.^[53] Hewson, delighted of her casting said: "It's been a rollercoaster joining Hollyoaks! The character is just wonderful to play. Everyone is so lovely, such a great atmosphere to work in and so welcoming. We laugh a lot, what more could you ask for?"^[53] Teasing the upcoming plot, executive producer Hannah Cheers added: "To be a Blake, you must be clever, captivating and charming on the outside… and calculating, cold and cynical on the inside, with a family dynasty so rich in history, it should come as no surprise that there are still many secrets to be uncovered. But for Sienna, Dilly, Liberty and Maxine, what happens next is not what anyone could have expected…."^[53]

After 23 August 2024, Martha didn't appear for a while, but on 7 October 2024, Hewson announced that she would be returning as Martha in the Johnny Seifert's Secure The Insecure podcast.^[54] This return would be after the events of the time-jump.^[54] "I am in the next [opening] titles, because I've now gone back," she said.^[54] "I was not there in August, this August gone, because they were going on with the time jump. I've been in a home, I think. I'm out of the home now," she said. "I'm back with Sienna now. I'm living with Sienna now, but she's thrown Jeremy out. But now I think we're all back. It's very confusing. I just go and I go, what's the next scene?"^[54] Martha's return had been teased by Anna Passey, who plays her on-screen granddaughter, Sienna Blake who said: "Martha isn't done."^[54] Passey also suggested that Martha's return would show her father, Jeremy Blake's (Jeremy Sheffield), who she until recently believed was her uncle and that his twin brother Patrick Blake (Jeremy Sheffield), past.^[54] "There's more to learn about her and Jez's history. When Sienna met Martha, they repelled each other like magnets, but sometimes these people end up being very important in your life," she said.^[54] "I think Martha is going to play a key role in the family in the future – and Sherrie Hewson is genius; she played the ultimate Blake!"^[54]

Rex Gallagher, portrayed by Jonny Labey, made his first appearance on 14 June 2024.^[55] Rex is introduced as a criminal rival against Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas) as part of Warren's ongoing torture of Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) after he accidentally murdered Warren's daughter Ella Richardson (Erin Palmer) in a hit-and-run on the Dee Valley bypass back in January 2024. Labey was already notable prior to accepting the role for his work in soap rival EastEnders after he was cast as Paul Coker in 2015. His casting was initially heavily speculated on 16 May 2024 after a group photo of the actors on-set was posted on social media with Labey spotted on-set.^[56] The characters name and casting details were then further announced on 4 June 2024.^[55] Daniel Kilkelly from Digital Spy branded the character as "villainous".^[57]

 

Speaking of the audition process, Labey mentioned he had previously auditioned "a few years back" but another opportunity landed for him.^[57] He positively applauded the production team for their development on the current characters.^[57] Labey teased Rex was "terrifying" and "brilliant", claiming it was something to "get his teeth sunk into". He added he was pleased to be cast as Rex, and when he was first told about Rex it was "along the lines of 'mad, bad and dangerous'".^[57] Rex is characterised as an unpredictable, conniving and complicated character, with his scenes being described as "harrowing".^[57] The character "thrives of confrontation" as Rex seems to "love it" whereas Labey joked that "squaring up to Warren was a bit of a big gulp in the throat". Labey teased a possible relationship between Rex and Ste, saying the relationship is a turbulent one and Ste is over-intrigued by Rex. He added that Ste will not know of Rex's real intentions or what he may be after.^[57]

Praising his co-star's, he added working with Richardson and Lomas were "great" and "fun", adding he "felt in safe hands" with the both.^[57] Labey teased a link and connection with pre-established character Hannah Ashworth (Emma Rigby) as the pair had both done numerous scenes together, adding it was "nice to have a connection" with another Hollyoaks character prior to his arrival.^[57] His arrival was set to kick off after meeting Hannah. When asked if he is going to stick around in the village, he answered that he couldn't say however an opportunity "opened".^[57]

Jeremy "Jez" Blake, portrayed by Jeremy Sheffield, is introduced as the long-lost twin-brother of deceased Patrick Blake, who was also portrayed by Sheffield.^[58] Jez, along with mother Martha (Sherrie Hewson), are set to make their debuts in spring 2024.^[58] Their casting and characters details were announced on 3 May 2024.^[58] Sheffield, who knew he would be introduced back into Hollyoaks later in the year, did not know he would play a new character. Delighted at the news, he stated: "I'm so excited to be back in the village and have the opportunity to play a great new character, Jez might be Patrick's twin but he couldn’t be more different; he's charming, enigmatic, complex and full of mystery. Working with the wonderful Sherrie Hewson means we get to explore even more of the famously twisted Blake family secrets."^[58]

Teasing the upcoming plot, executive producer Hannah Cheers added: "To be a Blake, you must be clever, captivating and charming on the outside… and calculating, cold and cynical on the inside, with a family dynasty so rich in history, it should come as no surprise that there are still many secrets to be uncovered. But for Sienna, Dilly, Liberty and Maxine, what happens next is not what anyone could have expected…."^[58]

Maria-Carmella McQueen is the twin daughter of Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) and Felix Westwood (Richard Blackwood).^[59] She is born on-screen in July 2024 – Felix is not present.^[59] The confirmation of Mercedes' twins surviving the pregnancy was confirmed in the Summer trailer for 2024, released on 8 July 2024.^[59] An "exclusive" scene allowed viewers to see Mercedes and Warren deciding the names for both of her children.^[59] Maria-Carmella is named after her maternal aunt, Carmel McQueen (Gemma Merna), who was killed in a train explosion in 2014.^[59] The storyline in which would see Mercedes carry twins by different fathers was first announced on 31 January 2024 after Hollyoaks production team confirmed the plot.^[60] Superfecundation has not been tackled in soap opera before, with Mercedes being the first character ever to have twin children from two different fathers.^[60]

Fans previously predicted the twins would be born from superfecundation prior to the twist.^[61] Stephen Patterson of Metro has cited the storyline as "staggering" and "groundbreaking".^[62] Mercedes' superfecundation storyline was also nominated for "Best Storyline" in the Radio Times soap awards 2024.^[63]

Maria-Gabriella McQueen is the daughter of Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) and Warren Fox (Jamie Lomas). She is born on-screen in July 2024.^[59] The confirmation of Mercedes' twins surviving the pregnancy was confirmed in the Summer trailer for 2024, released on 8 July 2024.^[59] An "exclusive" scene allowed viewers to see Mercedes and Warren deciding the names for both of her children.^[59] Maria-Gabriella is named after her half brother Gabriel McQueen who was stillborn in 2015.^[59] The storyline in which would see Mercedes carry twins by different fathers was first announced on 31 January 2024 after Hollyoaks production team confirmed the plot.^[60] Superfecundation has not been tackled in soap opera before, with Mercedes being the first character ever to have twin children from two different fathers.^[60]

Fans previously predicted the twins would be born from superfecundation prior to the twist.^[61] Stephen Patterson of Metro has cited the storyline as "staggering" and "groundbreaking".^[62] Mercedes' superfecundation storyline was also nominated for "Best Storyline" in the Radio Times soap awards 2024.^[63]

Theo Anderson is the son of Zoe Anderson (Garcia Brown) and Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer). Zoe discovered that she was pregnant in June 2024, the day before her late fiancé, Hunter McQueen's (Theo Graham) funeral. Zoe initially allowed Hunter's family to believe Hunter was the father, before secretly confessing to Hunter's twin brother, Prince that he was the real father of her baby, following a drunken one-night-stand they had shortly before Hunter's death, ruling out Hunter as the father as they hadn't slept together when they got back together. Prince wanted Zoe to have an abortion, but Zoe decided to go ahead with the pregnancy, insisting Prince could be nothing more than an uncle to the baby.

In August 2024, whilst attempting to arrest Kitty Draper (Iz Hesketh) at the village play park for assisting an offender, Zoe went into premature labour. Kitty called an ambulance before helping Zoe in the pavilion with her contractions, before the paramedics arrived and helped Zoe give birth to a baby boy, before rushing the baby to the ICU at Dee Valley University Hospital. Zoe and Prince were later informed that their son had a low chance of survival and needed to prepare for the worst. Zoe and Prince believed that their son's condition was karma for them betraying Hunter, and Zoe initially struggled seeing her son, but changed her mind after Kitty opened up about not being a part of her daughter's life. Whilst struggling to choose a name for their baby, Zoe suggested Theo meaning God's gift, which Prince loves.

Sunshine is a prisoner who is mates with former police officer, Donny Clark (Louis Emerick).^[64] He is played by comedian Rob Beckett, whose casting was announced on 26 August 2024, alongside his comedy partner, Romesh Ranganathan, who will appear as prison guard, Reg.^[64] The pair appeared on 5 September 2024.^[64] Rob and Romesh's cameos will be part of their Rob & Romesh Vs series.^[64] Their scenes featured as part of Warren Fox's (Jamie Lomas) "explosive" exit storyline.^[64] Digital Spy revealed photos of Rob and Romesh with Emerick, Lomas and Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes McQueen.^[64] Rob and Romesh appeared in prison as Warren has been wrongfully imprisoned for the death of his mother, Norma Crow (Glynis Barber), who was actually murdered by gangster Blue, who was recently revealed to be Hollyoaks resident, Dave Williams (Dominic Power).^[64] Mercedes and Donny came up with a rescue plan, which ropes in Sunshine and Reg.^[64] These scenes have been described to be the "last episode before the new era of three 20-minute episodes a week kicks off with the traditional autumn stunt week starting on 9 September 2024, followed by a 12-month time jump which takes effect in the week of 16 September 2024."^[64]

Executive producer, Hannah Cheers spoke about Rob and Romesh's casting: "As an avid fan of their show Rob and Romesh Vs, it was a no-brainer to cast the pair and put their skills to the test. There was such a buzz on set watching Rob and Romesh transform from funny men to stunt men for the day with their co-stars. The pivotal scene is part of Warren's ongoing battle with Blue – and paves the way to our highly anticipated stunt week. The pivotal scene is part of Warren's ongoing battle with Blue – and paves the way to our highly anticipated stunt week."^[64] Lomas described described working with the comedians as "a real pleasure and lots of fun".^[64] He continued: "They switched into their characters when they needed to though and smashed it! I can't wait for everyone to finally see the episode."^[64]

Reg is a prison guard, who is mates with former police officer, Donny Clark (Louis Emerick).^[64] He is played by comedian Romesh Ranganathan, whose casting was announced on 26 August 2024, alongside his comedy partner, Rob Beckett, who will appear as prisoner, Sunshine.^[64] The pair appeared on 6 September 2024.^[64] Rob and Romesh's cameos is part of their Rob & Romesh Vs series.^[64] Their scenes featured as part of Warren Fox's (Jamie Lomas) "explosive" exit storyline.^[64] Digital Spy revealed photos of Rob and Romesh with Emerick, Lomas and Jennifer Metcalfe, who plays Mercedes McQueen.^[64] Rob and Romesh appeared in prison as Warren has been wrongfully imprisoned for the death of his mother, Norma Crow (Glynis Barber), who was actually murdered by gangster Blue, who was recently revealed to be Hollyoaks resident, Dave Williams (Dominic Power).^[64] Mercedes and Donny came up with a rescue plan, which ropes in Sunshine and Reg.^[64] These scenes have been described to be the "last episode before the new era of three 20-minute episodes a week kicks off with the traditional autumn stunt week starting on 9 September 2024, followed by a 12-month time jump which takes effect in the week of 16 September 2024."^[64]

Executive producer, Hannah Cheers spoke about Rob and Romesh's casting: "As an avid fan of their show Rob and Romesh Vs, it was a no-brainer to cast the pair and put their skills to the test. There was such a buzz on set watching Rob and Romesh transform from funny men to stunt men for the day with their co-stars. The pivotal scene is part of Warren's ongoing battle with Blue – and paves the way to our highly anticipated stunt week. The pivotal scene is part of Warren's ongoing battle with Blue – and paves the way to our highly anticipated stunt week."^[64] Lomas described described working with the comedians as "a real pleasure and lots of fun".^[64] He continued: "They switched into their characters when they needed to though and smashed it! I can't wait for everyone to finally see the episode."^[64]

James is the newborn son of Leah Barnes (Ela-May Demircan) and Dillon Ray (Nathaniel Dass), who was born on 16 September 2025, in scenes which aired in Episode 6491 on 16 September 2024. He is named after Leah's stepfather, James Nightingale (Gregory Finnegan), who was killed off in a car explosion after a bomb planted underneath his car by villainous gangster Dave Williams (Dominic Power) (aka Blue), detonated with him and his husband, Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) inside leaving the latter in a year-long coma.^[65]

After the time jump, it was revealed that Leah was pregnant and went into labor at an engagement party at Casa McQueen. Leah gave birth to James with the help of her aunt Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter) and cousin Peri Lomax (Ruby O'Donnell), moments before Ste was brought out of his coma.^[66] Initially, it was unknown who the father was and it was originally assumed to be Charlie Dean (Charlie Behan), until it was confirmed on 23 September 2024 that Dillon was the father.^[66] This has caused worry as Dillon is Leah's brother, Lucas Hay's (Oscar Curtis) boyfriend and both feel that he won't forgive them for their infidelity.^[66] Leah wanted to give James up for adoption, but gave Ste the opportunity to raise him himself whilst she goes off to university in America.^[65] Ste agrees to raise James last minute, which has caused discomfort for Dillon, who doesn't want to be revealed as the father.^[65] Leah then departed Hollyoaks to go to uni, with Demircan's final scenes airing on 24 September 2024.^[65]

Clara Dexter is the daughter of Leela Dexter (Kirsty-Leigh Porter), who was born on 5 November 2025 and made her first appearance on 5 November 2024.^[67] After the time-jump in September 2024, it was revealed that Leela was pregnant again after the tragic loss of her and Joel Dexter's (Rory Douglas-Speed) son, Noah in May 2024,^[67] which Erin Zammitt from Digital Spy described this to be a "heartwarming development".^[67] After Leela went into early labour, Joel who was believed to be the baby's father, wasn't present at the baby's birth as he was looking for his ex-girlfiend Cleo McQueen (Nadine Mulkerrin), whom he heard singing in Abe's flat, so Abe Fielding (Tyler Conti) acted as her birthing partner.^[67]

After her baby's birth, Leela was very emotional and refused to pose in any family photos.^[67] This began to make Joel worry about her wellbeing and expressed his worries to Grace Black (Tamara Wall), Zoe Anderson (Garcia Brown) and Prince McQueen (Malique Thompson-Dwyer), who reassured him that it was normal for her emotions to be all over the place after giving birth. On 6 November 2024, Mercedes McQueen (Jennifer Metcalfe) paid Leela a visit, where she told her that she had been so worried about delivering a healthy baby that she put all worries aside. Mercedes and Leela then discussed something that occurred in the missing year between the time-jump, which suggested Joel is not the father.^[67]

Jacob, portrayed by Ethaniel Davy,^[68] is a man who Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) is shielding in a safe house.^[68] He first appeared in Episode 6490, which originally aired on 20 November 2024.^[68] Before his first appearance, Rex had letters addressed to someone named "J", which Ste Hay (Kieron Richardson) finds on his desk.^[69] "J"'s identity was revealed to be Jacob later that episode.^[69] Dan Laurie from Liverpool Echo revealed: "the exact nature of the relationship between Rex, Jacob, and Kat remains under wraps, but it's evident that Rex is going to great lengths to shield them from harm, sequestering them in a safe house."^[68]

On 27 November 2024, Labey revealed that in 2025, Hollyoaks would portray a storyline which tackles a "huge problem in the UK."^[70] He also explained the backstory his character has with Kat and Jacob: "We're introduced to Jacob and Kat and they are a little bit of Rex's past. Before he came to Chester, he was involved in various exploitation avenues and he has a connection with these two people."^[70] He continued: "This whole time since Rex has fallen in love with Ste, and tried to rewrite his ways, he's been keeping Jacob and Kat in a safe house, keeping them away from the danger."^[70] Labey also hinted that they have a larger connection to the show's past: "Jacob and Kat are a huge link to what Rex was. He's come from a whole dynasty of danger and crime."^[71] Labey also added that the storyline isn't talked about much: "It's not necessarily a story that's been spoken about a lot so I can tell you that and Rex is kind of being at the forefront. Something massive happens in the New Year and it's nostalgic in a weird way for fans so it's really going to set things on fire but what it leads to and the world Kat and Jacob are a part of is a much bigger picture."^[71]

Kat, played by Sonia Ibrahim,^[68] is woman who is being kept in a safe house by Rex Gallagher (Jonny Labey) alongisde a man named Jacob (Ethaniel Davy).^[68] She first appeared in Episode 6490, which originally aired on 20 November 2024. Dan Laurie from Liverpool Echo described Kat to be "enigmatic" and that her connection with Rex is "mysterious".^[68] Laurie also revealed: "the exact nature of the relationship between Rex, Jacob, and Kat remains under wraps, but it's evident that Rex is going to great lengths to shield them from harm, sequestering them in a safe house."^[68]

On 27 November 2024, Labey revealed that in 2025, Hollyoaks would portray a storyline which tackles a "huge problem in the UK."^[70] He also explained the backstory his character has with Kat and Jacob: "We're introduced to Jacob and Kat and they are a little bit of Rex's past. Before he came to Chester, he was involved in various exploitation avenues and he has a connection with these two people."^[70] He continued: "This whole time since Rex has fallen in love with Ste, and tried to rewrite his ways, he's been keeping Jacob and Kat in a safe house, keeping them away from the danger."^[70] Labey also hinted that they have a larger connection to the show's past: "Jacob and Kat are a huge link to what Rex was. He's come from a whole dynasty of danger and crime."^[71] Labey also added that the storyline isn't talked about much: "It's not necessarily a story that's been spoken about a lot so I can tell you that and Rex is kind of being at the forefront. Something massive happens in the New Year and it's nostalgic in a weird way for fans so it's really going to set things on fire but what it leads to and the world Kat and Jacob are a part of is a much bigger picture."^[71]